I'm sick. Last Wednesday I was stuck in traffic. I had a car parked in front and behind me. Another SUV slammed into the Cadillac SUV behind me... it hit me hard, bumping me into the 2009 Camry in front of me.

Since we were all parked the guy that hit the guy behind me is at fault for all vehicles. Of course he had Progressive, so now I need to battle to fix my beloved.

It looks like the main point of impact was my hitch and rear bumper. When I was forced forward into the car in front of me it damaged the under bumper and scratched up the bumper cover and forced the grill up into the hood nicking the paint.

The estimators from Toyota and from a local body shop figure the bumper, bumper horns, and hitch all need to be replaced. Then the bumper cover and under bumper in front... and the whatever they find damaged behind those parts later. My alignment is noticeably off, and then there is the seat.

My concern is how hard I was hit. It knocked both of my visors out of their holders. When I got back in the truck I could tell something was not right. My seat felt twisted, and I noticed I could not see my cruise light anymore. I had to sit forward a bit. I went to adjust the seat but could not find my normal driving position and the controls felt stiff. When sliding the seat I have to buck around to get both sides to lock in.

Any impact that caused this kind of damage makes me nervous my Tacoma will never be the same.

I've never been in a wreck like this before and I feel like I am about to get raped by the insurance companies.

I'm sick. Last Wednesday I was stuck in traffic. I had a car parked in front and behind me. Another SUV slammed into the Cadillac SUV behind me... it hit me hard, bumping me into the 2009 Camry in front of me.

Since we were all parked the guy that hit the guy behind me is at fault for all vehicles. Of course he had Progressive, so now I need to battle to fix my beloved.

It looks like the main point of impact was my hitch and rear bumper. When I was forced forward into the car in front of me it damaged the under bumper and scratched up the bumper cover and forced the grill up into the hood nicking the paint.

The estimators from Toyota and from a local body shop figure the bumper, bumper horns, and hitch all need to be replaced. Then the bumper cover and under bumper in front... and the whatever they find damaged behind those parts later. My alignment is noticeably off, and then there is the seat.

My concern is how hard I was hit. It knocked both of my visors out of their holders. When I got back in the truck I could tell something was not right. My seat felt twisted, and I noticed I could not see my cruise light anymore. I had to sit forward a bit. I went to adjust the seat but could not find my normal driving position and the controls felt stiff. When sliding the seat I have to buck around to get both sides to lock in.

Any impact that caused this kind of damage makes me nervous my Tacoma will never be the same.

I've never been in a wreck like this before and I feel like I am about to get raped by the insurance companies.

Any advise?

sorry to hear about the wreck, but glad you werent hurt!!! hopefully, they do your truck right!! i would probably want them to total my truck, because it sounds like it bent some stuff pretty bad, but hopefully, it will come out fixed right!!

Sorry about that, glad you are ok, as Will just said, i would try to get it totaled, as it seems that maybe the frame could be bent, and that's not good... get several opinions on the matter, if possible take it to several dealerships and shops, try to get their diagnose on paper....

Second things second...Be prepared, because your truck will never be the same, vehicles are never the same after an accident like this. Doesn't matter how good the body shop is

Third things third...When you trade or sell this truck, be prepared to get screwed. People that know what they are doing when buying a car can tell that your truck has been in a wreck and will not be interested or not offer you as much.

My adivice? Drive the thing to mexico and leave the keys on the seat and walk across the border and tell your insurance company that somebody stole your truck.

I am very glad the Tacoma protected you. I hope you aren't too jarred from that hit, because it sounds like your Tacoma did everything it could to protect you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nagelg

The important thing is that you weren't hurt. Tell the dealer to put everything on his bid...even if it's marginal. Win-win, more work for him and a better fix for you.

I agree. Go for the highest quote of the shops/dealerships that you trust to do the best quality work. Quality work is key.

Don't go with the Insurance appraisal. They always low-ball it in the hopes that the driver will take a low pay out. This is why you see so many wrecked or marginally wrecked cars driving down the road. Check in hand doesn't get applied to the car.

Just face it. Once your truck has been in a wreck, it will never be the same! "EVER".....Just reading your post makes me think your truck frame is screwed up. All these body shops claim to have these frame machines that will bring it back to factory condition or very close to it. Bullshit! Your frame may be straight but your lines will be off,some bigger than the others. You ever had your home's foundation raised due to it settling? Well when they raise your home back level,you will have doors that will not open or even shut,windows that stick,crack,or just will not open. Same goes with your truck. It may get fixed and look really nice,but their will always be that little spot in the back of your head when you hear a funny noise or a rattle..."oh yea,my truck was wrecked at one time!" Sucks huh???????????

If you haven't already, get checked out by the doc. You might have damage to yourself that you don't know about.

I'm still screwed up... Neck and back always hurting... been going to the chiropractor for a month... been to the doc once for anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers. Thinking about going back for Physical therapy.